New Faces at OPN!
OPN is excited to welcome a new group of talented professionals to our team. We’re excited for the perspective and passion they will bring and contribute to our studios. Welcome!
Michael R. Booth, Project Architect, OPN Madison
Where are you from?
Twin Cities, Minnesota
What do you like about the industry?
I like creating a tangible product you can touch, occupy, and share with loved ones. The majority of people spend their lives indoors, as architects we are given the opportunity to go beyond simply providing shelter, and creating spaces that can enhance quality of life. It is a great responsibility to be entrusted with millions of dollars to create a building that will live in the community for up to a century.
What inspires your work? I find design to be most successful when there is a strong concept behind a building, to guide decision making and overall aesthetic. Nature often inspires these concepts for me.
If there was a movie about your life, who would star as you?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for obvious reasons.
What is your favorite podcast?
How I Built This
Erika Jolleys, Architect, OPN Madison
Where are you from? Manchester, England
What do you like about the industry? The combination of creativity and practicality
What inspires your work? Vernacular architecture and natural materials
What is one way you’d like architecture or design evolve? More female architects in leadership roles / more female representation
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Indian Cuisine
Val Hageman, Construction Administrator, OPN Des Moines
Where are you from? Ossian, Iowa
What do you like about the industry? I enjoy the wide range of opportunity that the construction industry provides. Physical labor, administrative, sales, management, highly skilled, detailed and creative. There’s something for everyone. Coming out of a position that didn’t allow for a lot of collaboration, I realize that I very much enjoy the interaction of a jobsite, working with contractors and clients.
What inspires your work? I like that the construction industry creates something tangible and shows progress. Architecture changes the skyline of a city and shows where we’ve come, alters the use of space to accommodate new users and changing needs.
What are you reading right now? The Secret Life of Bees
What is your favorite podcast? My Favorite Murder, Wine & Crime
Julia Schuler, Creative Strategist, OPN Madison
Where are you from? Chenoa, IL
What do you like about the industry? I enjoy everything creative, so being able to collaborate in multiple fields of design is especially exciting. It is fulfilling to be able to design for others, have a positive impact, and ultimately make the world a better place.
What inspires your work? The beauty in the world around me inspires me to keep producing new and innovative work.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate!!